News Release
FOR RELEASE - February 21, 2024
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, sbalcomb@aapa-ports.org

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

AAPA Releases Statement on Biden Admin Port Cybersecurity Actions

Washington, D.C. — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration's Cybersecurity policy initiatives:

“America’s ports work closely with our federal partners to maintain the highest possible standards of physical and cybersecurity,” stated Cary Davis, AAPA President and CEO. “We welcome and applaud President Biden’s actions which further empower the Coast Guard to keep our ports safe along with the Administration’s efforts to build out domestic manufacturing capacity for key equipment.”

Key Background Information:

The maritime industry is ready and willing to incentivize domestic manufacturing to build port equipment in the U.S.

AAPA has already:

• Drafted a legislative proposal, the Crane Reshoring and National Enforcement of Supply Chain Security (CRANES) Act, to incentivize domestic manufacturing of cranes, similar to Congress' CHIPS Act. We are calling on Congress to introduce and pass this bill.
• Proactively partnered with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and is currently conducting a study on the future of port cargo handling equipment procurement needs. The study results will be presented to domestic manufacturers as an order book to show the clear demand for American-manufactured equipment.

About AAPA

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of port leaders and maritime industry partners across the Western Hemisphere who serve a vital role in job-creation, international competitiveness and economic prosperity. Connecting small business owners, retailers and manufacturers to the global marketplace, AAPA member organizations sustain 31 million jobs and 26 percent of the U.S. economy, and advocate for national policies and infrastructure investments in support of a resilient global supply chain and a positive impact on the way people live, work, travel and engage in commerce. Visit www.aapa-ports.org or on X @PortsUnited.